Systematic Assessment of Reusable First-Stage Return Options

Abstract

Interest in the reusability of rocket-powered first stages for orbital launch vehicles has strongly increased since the successful demonstration of a Falcon 9 booster re-flight in March 2017. The technology chosen by SpaceX is one feasible option, however, not necessarily the optimum one for each application and operational scenario. The paper compares the characteristic flight conditions of winged gliding stages with those of rocket-decelerated vertical landing vehicles. The focus is on the atmospheric reentry and potentially the return to launch site with evaluation of loads (dynamic pressure, accelerations, heatflux) and necessary propellant as well as dry mass.